Monday, April 21, 2008

Autumn Racing Carnival – Week 12

Weekend Hussler (as if he hadn't done so already) stamped himself a champion of the turf by thrashing a top class field in the George Ryder Stakes on Saturday. He has won six Group One races over the 2007/2008 season, matching the achievement of Kingston Town. He is now to be spelled until the spring, his connections choosing not to run him in the Doncaster Handicap next Saturday.

The Golden Slipper was won by Sebring, a lightly raced colt trained by Gai Waterhouse. He was my pick, though I was hoping Augusta Proud - who did run after all - would win or get a place. The race was run at a rattling pace and Sebring, after badly missing the start, came from behind to narrowly beat Von Costa De Hero. It was a skilful ride on the part of his jockey Glen Boss who flew in from Hong Kong especially to ride Sebring.

Tuesday Joy won the BMW defeating the eternal bridesmaid Princess Coup, who yet again was blocked for a run in the straight.

There are still a few weeks to go in the Sydney racing carnival, with next Saturday featuring the Doncaster Handicap. Apache Cat returns to racing in the TJ Smith Stakes. Top sprinter Takeover Target is also nominated to run in the TJ Smith, but I think the Cat, fresh from a spell, will be hard to beat.

As well as the Doncaster and the TJ Smith, next Saturday sees the running of two other group one races, the AJC Derby and the Sires Produce Stakes.

So there’s another exciting race day to look forward to next weekend.

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